Daily Mains Question - GS 3 - 18th August 2025
- TPP
- Aug 18
- 3 min read
Welcome to your Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – GS Paper 3 (Science & Technology and Environment).Today’s discussion focuses on the Rhisotope Project, an innovative initiative by South Africa in collaboration with the IAEA, where radioisotopes are injected into rhino horns to make them detectable at international borders. This approach blends nuclear technology with biodiversity conservation, offering a safer, science-based deterrent against poaching and wildlife trafficking.
For UPSC aspirants, the topic is highly relevant under GS Paper 3 themes:
Applications of nuclear technology in civilian use
Wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection
International collaboration in fighting illegal trade
Sustainable anti-poaching strategies
With India facing similar challenges in tiger and pangolin poaching, analyzing such global models can help aspirants frame evidence-based, innovative policy solutions in their Mains answers.
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QUESTION
The Rhisotope Project is a pioneering example of how nuclear science and technology can be harnessed to aid wildlife conservation. Discuss the scientific principles, technological innovations, and conservation implications of the project. Also, evaluate its potential as a deterrent against wildlife trafficking.
Answer: Wildlife conservation in the 21st century is increasingly being driven by innovative applications of science and technology. A recent example is the Rhisotope Project, launched by South Africa’s University of the Witwatersrand in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This initiative aims to combat rhino poaching by injecting radioactive isotopes into rhino horns, making them detectable through nuclear security infrastructure without harming the animals.
1. Scientific Principles:
Uses radioisotopes, which emit detectable radiation as they decay into stable forms.
Small, safe doses are injected into rhino horns; harmless to the animal.
The radiation allows horns to be detected by Radiation Portal Monitors (RPMs) at global checkpoints.
2. Technological Innovations:
Non-invasive injection technique developed with veterinarians and nuclear scientists.
3D-printed horns used for controlled testing.
Trials confirmed detection of horns inside sealed 40-foot containers.
3. Conservation Implications:
Deters poaching: Makes horns traceable and dangerous for human use, lowering black market value.
Better than dehorning: Less disruptive to rhinos' behaviour and ecology.
Cost-effective: Utilises existing global nuclear detection infrastructure.
4. Collaboration and Policy Linkages:
Involves biologists, nuclear experts, customs officials, and supported by IAEA.
Aligns with international agreements like CITES.
Offers a replicable model for other countries like India.
Impact:
Rhino population dropped from 500,000 (20th century) to 27,000 today (IUCN).
South Africa lost nearly 10,000 rhinos to poaching since 2011.
Highlights the need for innovative and non-invasive deterrent methods.
Way Forward:
Scale up through international collaboration.
Combine with AI and satellite tracking for real-time monitoring.
Integrate with India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and National Wildlife Action Plan (2017–31).
The Rhisotope Project reflects the fusion of nuclear science with conservation, offering a novel, scalable deterrent against wildlife trafficking. It exemplifies how scientific innovation can support biodiversity goals and strengthen enforcement against illegal trade.
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